MEXICAN
Cactus
Café
54 Main St., Lee, Mass., (413) 243-4300. Traditional and
contemporary Mexican cuisine features fresh fish, grilled
items and lots of vegetarian specialties. Creative daily
specials. Mexican beer, margaritas, wine and sangria. Takeout
and catering available; special parties up to 35. Serving
lunch 11:30-2:30 daily, dinner 5-9:30 Sun-Thu, 5-10 Fri-Sat.
MC, V. $$
El Loco Mexican Café
465 Madison Ave., Albany, 436-1855. An eccentric bistro
where the specialties include quesadillas, chilis rellenos,
Tex-Mex fare and many vegetarian items. Try the spinach-artichoke
burrito or the ancho-chipotle chicken. Full bar, gourmet
margaritas made with 100-percent blue agave, tequilas, beer
and wine. Takeout available, Tuesdays are smoke-free. El
Patio is now open for outdoor dining. Serving 11:30-10 Tue-Thu,
11:30-11 Fri, noon-11 Sat, 4:30-10 Sun. Closed Mon. Reservations
suggested for large parties; reservations not accepted Fri-Sat
nights. AE, MC, V. $$
El Mariachi
62 Central Ave., Albany, 465-2568. The real thing: True
Mexican cooking in downtown Albany. Try the cochinita pibil,
a popular pork roast made with orange juice and red onions.
Full bar. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Wed, 11:30-11 Thu-Fri, 1-11
Sat, 1-10 Sun. AE, MC, V. $
El Mariachi II
289 Hamilton St., Albany, 432-7580. Authentic Mexican and
Spanish dishes, including paella and pollo San Marco. Full
bar, featuring over 45 top tequilas. Takeout and on-premises
catering available. Serving 11-10 Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri, 1-11
Sat, 1-10 Sun. Parking across the street available after
4 PM. AE, MC, V. $$$
Fresno’s Southwest Restaurant & Bar
1620 Western Ave., Albany, 456-2837. A chain restaurant
with a Southwestern theme and even a handy “How to Eat a
Fajita” guide. The fajitas are a specialty, as are items
like Louisiana Cajun Skillet (chicken, shrimp and sausage
with Cajun-esque spices). Full bar. Serving 11 AM-midnight
daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
Garcia’s
1614 Central Ave., Colonie, 456-4116. The menu of Mexican
items includes pollo fundido, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas
and chimichangas, as well as Tex-Mex barbecued ribs. Full
bar, catering and takeout available. All-you-can-eat lunch
buffet 11:30-1:30 Mon-Fri. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11
Fri-Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $
Jake’s Round-Up
23 Main St., South Glens Falls, 761-0015. “Hippest, hottest,
coolest, most groovenist place to be,” is the slogan for
this deluxe cowboy bar with outdoor fountain dining. Dine
in a French bistro or an Adirondack cabin. Specializing
in ethnic grandma comfort food. Serving lunch noon-3 Thu-Sat;
dinner 4-11 daily. Full bar, on- and off-premises catering,
takeout available. AE, MC, V, personal checks. $$
Margarita’s
392 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 583-1106. Choose from traditional
and gourmet Mexican dishes, such as chicken fajitas, and
a variety of specialty items. Cajun items also spice up
the menu. Vegetarian items and kids’ menu available. Full
bar, extensive margarita and tequila list. Takeout available.
Serving 3 PM-10 Mon-Fri, 11-11 Sat-Sun. AE, MC, V. $$
Mexican Connection
41 Nelson Ave., Saratoga Springs, 584-4466. Try the burro
grande or a California tostada, fajitas or chimichangas.
Full bar, more than 85 fine tequilas and many Mexican beers.
Catering and banquet facilities available. Daily specials.
Serving from 4 PM Wed-Sun. Closed on Mon-Tue. Reservations
suggested. D, DC, MC, V. $$
Sunset Café
42 Front St., Ballston Spa, 885-8550. Chef James Koines
blends his French restaurant experience with Southwestern
ingredients. Cassoulet, bourbon-marinated salmon and unique
pasta dishes are on the menu, as well as daily specials.
A pastry chef on-premises creates tasty desserts such as
key lime pie and chocolate soufflé. Special children’s menu,
too. Non-smoking. Full bar, off-premises catering, takeout
available. Serving 11:30-9 Sun-Thu, 11:30-10 Fri-Sat. AE,
MC, V. $$$
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